?Chapter 97:


    In an instant, Hadley’s whole frame locked up, shaking like a leaf caught in a storm.


    How could someone this nasty even exist? How had she ever fallen for a guy this rotten?


    She looked at Eric, her smile faint but sharp enough to cut ss.


    “Yeah, I’m swinging way out of my league! But you? Can you sink any lower than lusting after your own brother’s woman? Is there a soul in Srixby who hasn’t heard about that dirty little secret of yours?”


    Her words dropped like a bomb, leaving a thick, suffocating silence in their wake.


    Eric’s fists clenched tight, his re turning icy and downright sinister as it swallowed Hadley whole.


    “Hadley!”


    Before he could blow his top, Hadley spun on her heel, snatched her backpack off the couch, and hightailed it out the door.


    Eric’s chiseled face darkened, his lips pressed into a thin, furious line. “I shouldn’t have even bothered with you!”


    With no one to take it out on, heshed out, kicking over two chairs in a row in a sudden burst of fury.


    But the anger still gnawed at him, unrelenting.


    What the heck was wrong with him? Why was he letting Hadley get under his skin like this?


    Later that evening, Hadley rolled up to Gnt like clockwork. After her performance, she slipped into the dressing room to wipe off the stage makeup.


    Then her phone buzzed with an overseas call.


    “Hello!” Hadley answered, her voice heavy. “Dr. Williams.”


    “Hey, Ms. Pearson,” Mathias Williams replied, his tone just as grave.


    “I need to talk to you about Joy’s condition.”


    ???????????????? ???????????????? @ g??????ν??????﹒?????


    “Okay.” Hadley straightened up without even realizing it.


    “Joy had her treatment a few days back,” he went on. “She dealt with some vomiting and diarrhea, but she’s bounced back a bit thesest couple of days.”


    Hadley’s eyes dulled, a pang twisting in her chest. She wasn’t there with her daughter. Joy must’ve felt so alone.


    “Your friend’s been keeping herpany, though,” Mathias added, referring to Colleen.


    “Joy’s holding up alright,” Mathias said with a sigh. “I know you’re from Srixby. Now that you’re back, have you thought about giving Joy a little sibling like we’ve talked about before?”


    Hadley caught the hint loud and clear.


    If there was even the tiniest glimmer of hope, she would snatch it up in a heartbeat. But no, the reality was a harsh wake-up call.


    She shook her head. “It’s not an option, Dr. Williams.”


    Mathias let out a soft sigh. “Sorry, I overstepped.”


    “No, don’t say that. I know you’re just looking out for her.”


    After the call ended, Hadley stared at her phone, her eyes glistening as they lingered on the screensaver—a photo of Joy’s bright little face.


    “Joy, my sweet girl,” Hadley whispered, her voice cracking like fragile ss. “I’m busting my tail to make enough cash. I’ll bring you home soon, I promise!”


    .


    .


    .